United Just Changed the Game — Here's What You Should Do About It

United Just Changed the Game — Here's What You Should Do About It

From Points Too Paradise by Megan Lanford

March 31, 2026 · 14 min · Season 1 · Episode 109

About this episode

This episode discusses the significant changes to United MileagePlus and how travelers should adapt their strategies.

United MileagePlus just made one of the biggest changes any U.S. airline loyalty program has made in years. Starting April 2nd, United is cutting earning rates from 5 miles per dollar down to 3 miles per dollar for members who don't hold a United credit card. And if you're flying basic economy without a card? You're earning zero miles. Nothing. In this episode, we break down exactly what changed, why United did it, and most importantly — what YOU should do about it based on how you actually travel. In this episode we cover: What United's new earning structure actually means in plain English How to figure out which camp you fall into — United loyalist or flexible points traveler The case for getting a United card if you fly them regularly Why this change is actually a permission slip for everyone else to go all in on flexible currencies Cards mentioned in this episode: 🔵 United Explorer Card (Personal) Best for occasional United flyers who want to protect their earning rate and access discounted saver awards. 🔵 United Business Card Best for business owners who fly United and want to maximize earning on business purchases. Ready to stop guessing and start traveling smarter? Join…

People in this episode

Host: Megan Lanford

Topics covered

  • airline loyalty programs
  • travel strategies
  • credit cards
  • mileage earning
  • United Airlines

Keywords

  • United MileagePlus
  • earning rates
  • travel tips
  • credit card benefits
  • flexible currencies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United MileagePlus, United

Products: United Explorer Card, United Business Card

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